Bristol, RI Real Estate

Bristol is a historic town in Bristol County, Rhode Island known as “America’s Most Patriotic Town.” This town is famous for being home to the nation’s oldest Fourth of July celebration, which started in 1785.

The Bristol Fourth of July Celebrations officially begin every Flag Day, June 14th, and continue until the parade on the 4th. Residents and visitors of all ages can enjoy the many festivities such as the concert series, Drum & Bugle Corps Competition, a Rockwell Amusements Carnival and fireworks.

Bristol is not only a very family-friendly town, but is also appealing to college students—especially students of Roger Williams University. Roger Williams University, named after Rhode Island’s founder, has been voted the 157th best college in the Northeast and 312th best in private colleges. There is plenty for students to do around town including exploring the many bars, restaurants and shops.

Bristol has a host of outdoor activities residents and visitors can enjoy at Colt State Park, or explore historical sites such as the Blithewold Mansion, Bristol Ferry Lighthouse, Linden Place and Coggeshall Farm Museum.

This patriotic community has a variety of homes for sale ranging from historical to modern. Bristol real estate reflects an architectural legacy which spans over 300 years, showcasing classic examples of Federal and Greek Revival styles, as well as Italianate, Romanesque, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival and Colonial Revival homes.

Bristol Information

Tucked away on a peninsula in beautiful Narragansett Bay, Bristol is a charming seaside town offering a wonderful quality of life at a relaxed pace. Surrounded by 15 miles of shoreline, this area has a reputation for having one of the best coastlines for sailing enthusiasts. Bristol is also known as one of the most patriotic towns in the United States, right down to its red, white, and blue traffic lines down the middle of Main Street. It hosts the annual Bristol Fourth of July Parade, which is the oldest, continuous Fourth of July celebration in the nation. Bristol’s geography, as a peninsula between Narragansett Bay and Mount Hope Bay, makes the climate more moderate than most New England communities; warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Impressions/Character

Federal and Colonial architecture dot this quaint seafaring town, while a wonderful array of boutiques, quaint shops, galleries and museums are situated along tree-lined streets, pedestrian boardwalks, and city parks fronting the harbour. Blithewold Mansion and Gardens open year-round to members and day-visitors, offers a stunning country estate replete with exotic plant life and a rolling landscape, perfect for weddings or enjoying an afternoon. Just before the Mount Hope Bridge is Roger Williams University, a renowned, Rhode Island educational institution offering cultural diversity and a vibrant dimension to this beloved town. Bristol offers 12 different museums, most notably the Haffenreffer Indian Museum and the Bristol Art Museum. The townalso features opportunities for boating, swimming and fishing at Beach Terrace, Bristol Highlands, Bristol Narrows and the 47-acre Town Beach and Sports Complex. In addition, Colt State Park is a Rhode Island favorite and provides a pleasant recess on the west side of the town overlooking Narragansett Bay.